Giving a Muslim baby name that follows certain Islamic rules is considered to be quite important because it’s believed a person’s name will influence their personality and who they become as an adult. No small feat!
And while less than 15 percent of Muslims in the world are actually Arabic by ethnicity, Arabic is still the most common language when it comes to selecting Muslim baby names, which is why many Islamic and Arabic baby names go hand-in-hand.
Looking for a suitable Muslim baby name that straddles the line between unique and traditional? We rounded up several suggestions that are both beautiful on the tongue and have significant meaning behind them.
Ahmad
Ahmad is one of the most common Muslim baby names, ranking No. 1 year over year — and for good reason. Ahmad, a boy’s name of Arabic origin, means “the highly praised one” or the “one constantly thanking God.”
While it might be too popular for some, the meaning behind it makes it well-worth considering, as its meaning suggests children named Ahmad will grow up with an abundance of gratitude and success.
Badr
Likewise, while the name Badr is quite common among Muslim families, the meaning behind it makes it a very attractive moniker to consider. The name Badr essentially translates into “full moon” and is commonly used for both baby girls and boys.
It also happens to be the first major battle in recorded Islamic history, which took place near a well-known city of the same name.
Faiz
Faiz is a predominantly male name that translates into “successful” or “victorious.” For obvious reasons, it has become a quite common name for boys due to the positive word association.
Most common in the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia, similar variants include Faizah, Faizan, Faizy, Faizi and Faizul.
Hamza
Hamza, also commonly spelled as Hamzah, Hamsah, Hamzeh or Humza, means “steadfast” or “strong and brave.” The name is believed to have gotten its roots from one of the Prophet Muhammad’s uncles, Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib, who was renowned for his stength and bravery in battle.
Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib’s life and exploits are detailed in the Hamzanama, a Persian adventure story that goes into romanticized detail of his escapes, battles and threatening events.
Irfan
The traditionally male name Irfan is much less common than other names on the list, but the meaning behind it makes it well-worth considering if you want your baby to grow into an intellectual child. Irfan literally means “knowledge” or “learning.”
Irfan is currently ranked No. 64 of the most popular Muslim baby names but is considerably less common within the United States.
Kafeel
The name Kafeel is primarily used for boys and translates into “security” or “guardian.” It’s believed that little boys named Kafeel will grow into providers who keep their loved ones safe.
Significantly less common than most names on the list, Kafeel doesn’t rank on the most popular Muslim baby names nor any United States birth name ranks.
Naeem
Naeem is considered to be a very highly regarded baby boy name — not just for its meaning, which translates into “comfort” or “to be contented,” but also for the beautiful way it rolls off the tongue.
Similar sounding names include Naim, Noam, Karim and Akeem.
Amin
A boy’s name of Arabic origin, Amin translates into “honest, faithful and trustworthy.”
As such, it has become quite common among parents looking for a worthy Muslim baby name but is still very unique in the United States.
Rafeeq
Looking for a baby boy name that will set your little one off on a path of kindness and compassion? The name Rafeeq is not only unique and quite elegant, but its actual meaning is also just as pleasant: “partner” or “kind friend.”
Similar names and alternate spellings include Rafiq, Rafeek, Rafiek and Rofique.
Muzaffar
Most popular in the Middle East and Russia, the male name Muzaffar means “victorious” or triumphant” — making it a great option for parents who hope to bestow success onto their child.
Alternative spellings include Mudhaffar, Muzaffer, Mozaffar and Muzaffer, which is of Turkish origin.
Aisha
A very common, but striking, baby girl name, Aisha was Muhammad’s third and youngest wife. Portrayed as scholarly and inquisitive, Aisha has remained very popular over the centuries and now means “prosperous” or “alive and well.”
The name has risen in popularity in the United States since the 1950s and almost broke into the top 1,000 in 2020.
Basimah
If an upbeat personality and a positive mindset is of utmost important, the name Basimah is a promising option.
Translating into “always smiling,” Basimah has become a popular option for baby girls for its sunny demenar and pretty pronunciation.
Khalida
Meaning “eternal” or “everlasting,” Khalida is the female counterpart to Khalid, which recently returned to the U.S. top 1,000 list.
Similar sounding names for little girls include Aziza, Farzaana, Farzana, Hameeda, Husna, Jameela and Kareema.
Lateefa
In Arabic, the girls’ name Lateefa means “gentle” or “pleasant” and is considered the female version of Latif.
In the United States, the name is strongly associated with rapper Queen Latifah, who allegedly chose the stage name after seeing it in a book of Arabic names that she read when she was a young girl.
Marriyah
The girls’ name Marriyah is of Arabic origin and translates into “pure” or “fair,” making it a popular option for parents looking for a sophisticated Muslim baby girl name.
While it might sound familiar, the name Marriyah is quite uncommon in the United States — the unique spelling sets it apart from more typically Western names like Mariah.
Najma
A girls’ name meaning “star” or “precious,” Najma is an indirect Quranic name due to its prevalence found many places in the Quran (where it means “any brilliant heavenly body”).
Similar sounding girls’ names include Najumah, Nujaim, Nujaimah and Najm.
Rasheeda
Meaning “rightly guided” or “righteous,” the name Rasheeda is a less common variant of the name Rashia, which is also considered to mean “righteous” or “knows her own way.”
The name Rasheeda has become more popular in the United States due to prominent rapper Rasheeda and actress Rashida Jones.
Noora
Derived from the Biblical name of Nora, Noora is a Finnish female given name that is also considered to be the female counterpart to the unisex Arabic name of Noor.
The literal translation of Noor is “The Divine Light” or more simply “the light.”
Issaam
The unisex name of Issaam is an indirect Quranic name that means “connection,” “bond” or “promise.”
It’s technically a variation of the name Isam but has the same pronunciation.
Sultana
While foodies or wine aficionados might recognize Sultana as a type of raisin, the girls’ name actually has Arabic roots and translates into “ruler” or “empress.”
In fact, it’s believed that the name Sultana is derived from Sultan, the ancient ruler of the Ottoman Empire.
Taliba
This relatively uncommon girls’ name means “seeker of knowledge” or “student,” making it a wonderful option for parents hoping to raise a daughter with a passion for learning.
Uzma
The Arabic name of Uzma is primarily considered by parents who are having a baby girl. In English, the name translates into “supreme” or “glorious.”
Alternative spelling and variants include Uzmaa and Uzmanaa.
Aahoo
Aahoo is a traditionally female Persian name that translates into “gazelle.” The gazelle is typically regarded as a majestic animal that is both poised and agile.
In Persian literature, it’s commonly used as an adjective to mean “beloved” or “beautiful eyed.”
Aaidun
The name Aaidun is typically considered by parents who are looking for a masculine name.
It means “[those who are] returning” and is directly mentioned in the Quran.
Aala
Aala is another Quranic name for baby boys that means “supreme” or “high in status.” It’s typically chosen by parents who wish to bestow success and achievement onto their child.
Note that while they look similar, the name Aala is different from the name Alaa, both in meaning and pronunciation.
Sahir
Meaning “one who stays up late at night,” Sahir might not seem like an obvious choice for parents hoping to sleep through the night, but the Arabic name is quite popular nonetheless.
This is largely because it can also be interpreted as meaning “one who spends the night caring for a sick person.”
Salim
Meaning “correct,” “safe,” “unblemished” and “healthy,” the boys’ name Salim is quite popular due to the abundance of positive meanings that can be interpreted.
Alternate spellings include Saalim, Salem and Salemme, and female variations include Salama and Salma.
Kaina
The girls’ name Kaina means “created by God” and, as such, has become a popular name for parents looking for a worthy title to give to their baby girl.
The indirect Quranic name can also be spelled as Ka’ina, Kainah, Caina and Cayina.
Rayyan
Rayyan, also spelled Rayan or Rayhan, is a male and female Arabic name that can be interpreted as “luxuriant” or “plentiful.”
What’s more, in Islamic tradition, it is actually the name of one of the gates of heaven.
Zayn
You’ve probably first come across the boys’ name Zayn by way of One Direction heartthrob Zayn Malik. The Arabic name is interpreted as “beauty” or “grace.”
The name was one of the fastest rising in the United States thanks to the aforementioned pop star and is currently No. 340 in the country.
Zara
The Arabic girls’ name Zara can be translated into “humble” or “radiant” — both of which are excellent prophets for a little girl.
Currently ranked at No. 238 in the United States, Zara has become a well-loved name due to celebrities like Zara Larsson and even the Spanish clothing store of the same name.
Hoorain
Hoorain is a Muslim girl’s name that can be interpreted as “beautiful eyes” or “fabulous friend” — making it a great option for parents hoping to raise a kind and compassionate little girl.
While the name is not very popular within the United States, it did rank at No. 851 in England in 2018.
Aleena
Meaning “fair” or “good-looking” in Arabic, the girls’ name of Aleena cracked the top 1,000 names in the United States back in 2004 but has only risen to No. 608 — making it a beautiful but still relatively unique baby name.
Yusra
A direct Quranic name for girls that means “affluence” or “comfort,” Yusra rose in ranks over the past 20 years in the United States but is still considered quite uncommon.
Similar sounding names include Luisa, Uma and Eunice.
Rameen
This Muslim girls’ name might mean “obedient,” but it’s also believed to mean “successful,” making it a great option for parents looking to raise a well-behaved but strong-willed little girl.
Similar names and alternate spellings include Raameen, Rahmah and Rahimah.
Humaira
Humaira is a girls’ baby name that means “reddish color.” It’s believed that the prophet Muhammad gave this nickname to his wife, Aisha, due to her rosy cheeks.
The name is considered to be quite rare, even in Arabic speaking countries, and is a great, if subtle, nod to Muslim culture.
Ayat
Meaning “mark” or “sign,” Ayat is a Muslim girls’ name that refers to the verses of the Quran.
It’s also associated with miracles or “proof” as described in the Quran.
Aariz
Aariz is an Arabic boys’ name that has many meanings and interpretations.
While it might sound a bit like Aziz or Arizona, it’s distinct in that it translates into “respectable” or “intelligent man.”
Nayel
The boys’ name Nayel is typically interpreted as “brave” and “strong,” which makes it an excellent option for parents looking to raise a standup little boy.
The indirect Quranic name can also be interpreted as “what Allah gives to someone” for those looking for a more spiritual interpretation.
Fatima
The name of the favorite daughter of the prophet Muhammad, Fatima is a very popular Arabic name all across the globe and can be interpreted as “captivating” or “the shining one.”
Ranked No. 674 in the United States, the Arabic name started to rise in popularity after a significant wave of immigrants came to the country in the 1970s.
Saira
Saira is a popular Arabic girls’ name that has many meanings and interpretations — the most common being “princess” or “the walker.”
It’s also a very common Hebrew name and is more often spelled as Sara or Sarah.
Rubina
The Arabic word for ruby, the red precious stone, the girls’ name Rubina is a popular one among parents looking for an elegant name that symbolizes luxury, prestige and elegance.
Yasir
Meaning “to become easy,” “to be rich” or “who makes life easier,” it’s a no-brainer as to why Yasir is a popular option among boy parents.
The Arabic name of Yasir is also traditionally spelled as Yaser or Yassir.
Azhar
Azhar is an Arabic name for boys or girls that can be interpreted as “radiant,” “shining” or “luminous.”
The indirectly mentioned Quranic name is a great option for parents looking for a more spiritual surname option.
Ranya
Derived from verse 83:14 in the Quran, the girls’ name Ranya means “one who triumphs,” “victor” and “successful.” The Arabic name also has a non-Quranic root, which can be interpreted as “one who has a loving gaze.”
Ranya is currently ranked No. 646 in the United States but has seen a relatively steady rise since the 1990s.
Daniyal
The boys’ name Daniyal is actually a derivative of the Hebrew name, Daniel — it’s modern sounding but still rooted in spirituality.
The name has many meanings, too, including “God is my judge,” “intelligent man” and even “famous intellectual.”
Sudais
The Quranic name for boys, Sudais, means “sixth” or “one out of six.”
But the main reason it has become a common name for boys is because it’s the last name of the famous Quranic reciter Shaikh Abdurrahman as-Sudais.
Awais
Interpreted as “gifted” or “bestowed,” Awais is a great baby boy name for parents who see the birth of their child as, well, a gift.
While it has quite a lovely meaning, Awais is very uncommon even within Arabic communities, which makes it a great option for parents looking for a unique name that still has Muslim roots.
Asif
A masculine Arabic name given to “strong,” “powerful” and “fierce” little ones, Asif can also be interpreted as “forgiveness.”
The name of Asif is also prominently mentioned a handful of times in the Quran, which makes it a unique option for parents looking for a strong spiritual name.
Shumaila
Shumaila is a Muslim girls name that has multiple meanings but the most common being “beautiful face.”
Notable people with the surname Shumaila include two famous Pakistani cricket players, Shumaila Mushtaq and Shumaila Qureshi.
Yaseen
Yaseen is a strong and unique Arabic boys’ name that translates into “chief.” The name is derived from a chapter of the Quran called Ya-Sin.
Variations of the name Yaseen include Yasin, Yassin, Yassine and Yacine.
Naila
Meaning “attainer” or “successful,” Naila is a very strong Arabic girls name for parents hoping to raise a strong-willed, go-getting little girl.
While it’s not considered to be very popular outside of Arabic speaking countries, similar names include Nahla, Ava, Laila and Naima.